The new movie superheroes

The First Avenger: Captain America will be released in NZ on July 28. Photo / AP

With movies like Thor coming to cinemas later this month, TimeOut takes a look at other superhero flicks on the way this year...

X-Men: First Class

What: Prequel to the movie series which has extended to three films and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine spin-off.

First comic book published: 1963

The men and women in the costumes: The film stars James McAvoy as Professor X and Michael Fassbender as Magneto as well as Kevin Bacon, January Jones, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lawrence and Lucas Till.

Releases: June 2

The Green Lantern

What: How test pilot Hal Jordan, after acquiring the ring of power and lantern from a dying alien, becomes the first Earthling to join a corps of cosmic warriors trying to maintain order in the universe and save the world from the evil Parallax.

First comic book published: 1940

Man in the costume: Ryan Reynolds who is supported by Taika Waititi (as Hal's aircraft engineer mate) and Temuera Morrison (as the alien); directed by expatriate New Zealander Martin Campbell.

Releases: June 16

The First Avenger: Captain America

What: The adventures of sickly Steve Rogers, who, having failed to enlist in the US Army in World War II, takes a super-soldier serum and acquires a shield and the stars and stripes bodysuit. To be seen next year in The Avengers too.

First comic book published: 1941

The man in the costume: Chris Evans (who was also Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four).